The Rutherford/Cannon County Drug Court Support Foundation, Inc.

The Rutherford/Cannon County Drug Court Support Foundation, Inc. began as an advisory board to the Rutherford/Cannon County Drug Court Program in January 2001.  This advisory board became the Support Foundation and was incorporated in July 2001, and became a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit agency in March 2002.   The mission of the Support Foundation is: 

To financially support the Rutherford/Cannon County Drug Court Program and provide community education about addiction, as well as identifying community resources that will enhance the Drug Court participants’ ability to succeed in their recovery program.
 

Donations
Donations to the Support Foundation are always welcome and are tax-deductible.  If you or your organization would like to make a financial donation to help support the Drug Court Program, please send this to: 

The Rutherford/Cannon County Drug Court Support Foundation, Inc.
106 East College St.
Murfreesboro, TN. 37130 

Financial Needs
We have identified immediate financial needs.  One need is for transportation.  Due to the lack of public transportation, our participants have a great deal of trouble getting where they need to be.  Most of them have revoked licenses and no automobiles available to them.  They need transportation that is available to them twelve hours a day, seven days a week to meet all of the requirements of the Drug Court Program.  The lack of transportation also limits what employment is available to them, as most of them have to walk to work, or find rides.  Getting children to childcare so they can go to work is also an issue. 

Other financial needs that have arisen are funds for deposits on housing and utilities.  Most of our participants have to find other housing as their previous housing may have been in drug-infested areas, or they lived with people who are doing drugs.  They are encouraged to leave these environments, but without the money to pay for deposits and utilities, this is almost impossible. 

We would also like to establish an emergency fund.  This would be available for unanticipated costs such as medical expenses, childcare, car parts, clothing, etc. 

Partnership Opportunities
We have also identified needs that do not involve money.  Housing has been a big problem for our participants.  They do not qualify for public housing because they have drug charges, which violate HUD policies.  There is very little low-cost housing available in Murfreesboro.  Most apartment complexes will not rent to our participants because of their criminal records, or previous credit problems. So affordable housing in drug-free neighborhoods is a huge need for us. 

Our participants also have a difficult time finding employment.  Although jobs are plentiful in Murfreesboro, many businesses will not hire people with a felony record.  Most are finding jobs that pay little such as waitressing, cleaning offices, painting, construction, etc.  Being able to afford training to improve their skills is prohibitive as well.  Tennessee Technology Center offers excellent opportunities for advancement, but our participants cannot afford the tuition and books.  And of course, there is the ongoing problem of transportation once a job is located. 

We would really love to partner with realty companies, landlords, business owners and managers to provide our participants with some opportunities that are otherwise not available to them.  Our participants are making significant life changes and the barriers that society is constantly placing in front of them can really be defeating at times. 

Additionally, we always need volunteers.  Volunteers are needed to transport participants to their meetings.  We also need people who can answer the phone, type letters, make copies and file.  Childcare volunteers would be helpful as well. 

We appreciate your support!